A Murder at Mimi's

A Murder at Mimi’s

By

Nickolas Drake

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Nickolas Drake at Smashwords

Copyright © 2011 Nickolas Drake

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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For Tom, Mom, Karen, Great-Aunt Irene, and Jean; Always

Author's note: This book contains some spoiler information in the last chapter pertaining to A Murder in the Grand Canyon; please consider reading that novel first.

A MURDER AT MIMI’S

Far up in the blue coastal mountains overlooking shimmering Santa Barbara, the hot Santa Ana winds began their descent toward the city. Gathering speed as they raced down the narrow canyons, the first winds diminished and cooled as they blended into the dense pool of humid sea air.

Johanna ‘Mimi’ Griffin stood alone overlooking the moon painted Pacific Ocean as the Jasmine scented October winds swirled around her. She shivered, and then came back from her musings by the gentle tremble of the cell phone resting deep in her coat pocket.

Fuming that her sister hadn’t arrived yet, she listened to the caller impatiently for a long moment, and then abruptly cut him off.

Damn it, Greg! Call her again! She should have been here by now!

Smiling good-naturedly in her direction, he waited a beat then answered.

Mrs. Griffin, I just spoke to Max three minutes ago and they were taking it easy because after he picked her up at the airport, they ran into the usual heavy traffic. They’ll be here in a few minutes.

Mimi spun away from the shimmering ocean and shook her thin bracelet laden arm toward the ornate Victorian glass structure behind her, and then while cradling the phone on her shoulder, she rubbed her heavily jeweled hands together for warmth.

Don’t argue with me or give me his excuses! Get your butt out here, and while you’re at it bring me a very dry Martini, I could use something to take this damn chill from my bones.

Without another word, Greg nodded to the grinning bartender and picked up a perfectly mixed Martini, and then placed the fragile crystal glass on a small silver tray decorated with a fragrant white Plumeria stem.

Spotting the small flower sprig as he walked up to her Mimi winked at him, smiled, and then fixed her attention on the phone.

Alex, where the hell are you? I’m standing out here watching the moon light up the ocean and freezing my ass off! Do you want us to come and get you? Greg isn’t afraid to put some pressure on the accelerator, are you Greg? She turned briefly to wink at him.

Tell Max if he doesn’t make the driver step on it he’s fired, and I don’t care if he is cute, damn it!

On the other end of the connection, Lady Alexandra Heddington sighed and looked at her enormous yellow diamond ring.

Mimi, I for one don’t want to end up being part of the scenery. Just go inside and we’ll be there in a few minutes. This traffic is so heavy we can’t move three feet without stopping. Calm down, order us a smart cocktail and we’ll see you soon, bye.

Inside the limousine, Alex angrily turned to Max.

I just knew this was going to happen. The minute Mimi isn’t being entertained, she gets demanding. I’m sure I’m in for a fun time.

Max drank in a long glimpse of Alex. Considering they were sisters, Mimi and Alex were incredibly different. Flamboyant and outspoken Mimi was dramatic and iron willed. Beautiful in a manufactured way, she didn’t begin to compete with her younger sister.

Alex wore her deeply red hued auburn hair loose and long. Mimi contrasted with an explosion of silvery blond. Alex retained the voluptuous figure of a woman in her early twenties, distractingly so, thought Max. Mimi, thin as a rail with curves, still radiated an aura of raw sexuality that drove most men to distraction.

Max breathed a quiet sigh they were the closest of friends and any sexual tension between them had long ago been laid to rest.

Suddenly he realized Alex was looking at him with a small grin tugging the sensual corners of her lips.

Don’t take her so seriously you know as well as I do after dealing with her for almost 20 years I have some insight into Mimi Griffin. You’re as anxious to see her, as she is to see you. Following her ordeal at the Grand Canyon two years ago, she’s really come out on her own. Considering all she went through I think she’s done very well. It’s kind of nice to see our Mimi is still the same old pain in the ass she always was. Max felt comfortable with his familiarity as he chuckled to himself when he thought about his eccentric employer and dear friend.

Leaning closer, he glanced at the glass separating them from the driver. With a more serious look on his face, he lowered his tone and went on.

You’re right however and I’m sure she’s on edge since you haven’t seen her for several months. So what were you telling me about being asked to help her recruit? Knowing he was in for a sharp remark he waited for Alex to go over it again thankful she hadn’t noticed his frank appraisal of her beauty.

Exasperation rolled across her classic patrician features.

Seriously Max, I don’t think you listen to a word I have to say! You know her better than I do. It’s obvious you know all about the new restaurant Mimi is starting here in Montecito. She simply asked me to fly in to see if we could entice one of the master chefs she’s imported for her inspection. You know how she is when she wants something, and since she’s had this new interest, she’s been combing the country looking for the right person. She’s still reeling from Red’s murder and her ex-lover’s involvement. That was quite a shock even for Mimi.

It had been two years, as she thought back with a shudder to Mimi’s hideous time dealing with murder at the Grand Canyon.

Mimi was still appalled by the greed and deception that nearly took her life.

Alex felt a familiar pang at the loss of her husband. So what if he had been closing in on 80 years old and had left her several hundred million dollars to assuage her sorrow? He had been the kindest and sweetest man she’d ever known.

He also had a quality she treasured beyond words; he had truly loved her for herself and not as an object of incredible beauty.

Max was quick to re-state his concern.

Don’t get me wrong I wasn’t complaining about her you know I care about her as much as you do. She certainly has helped me out several times in fact. I just hope she can keep herself out of mischief for a couple of days, and not offend anyone too seriously. He waited until Alex shook her head in agreement before bursting into a laugh.

Placing her delicate fingertips on his large muscular hand, she shook her head and then joined into the laughter. Not a chance.

Ten minutes later the white stretch limo pulled up into the circular drive facing the front of what was once a stately mansion overlooking the Southern Santa Barbara coast. Alex and Max glanced at each other in relief not to find Mimi pacing and cursing out front.

Once outside the limo Alex hurried down the long portico and into the vast mahogany paneled lobby of the restaurant complex. Alex was just turning toward the reception desk when she heard Mimi’s unmistakable voice.

Looking stunning in a black silk cape barely covering an incredibly abbreviated dress, Mimi waved to her sister. Oblivious to the open stares of her other guests milling around the bar Mimi called to her ignoring everyone beginning to stare. So there you are. Will you hurry up and get in here before all this champagne goes flat? A person could die of thirst waiting for the likes of you.

One unfortunate woman’s gaze lingered a beat too long. Mimi spotted her and then snickered at the deep red color of her face when she realized she’d been caught.

What the hell do you think you’re looking at? The beauty shop is down the road and you could use it! Don’t forget to close your mouth on the way there.

Not stopping to wait for Mimi to fire off another round Alex grabbed Mimi’s arm and then spun her around and into the bar. Mortified, she held her sister in an iron grip but still knew her words were ignored.

Mimi, that poor woman wasn’t paying attention to you. She was just startled when you called to me. You’ve really got to take it easy on other people.

She laughed aloud and nodded to the waiter as he pulled out her chair for her.

That would be a first for me and speaking of flat where the hell did you get those boobs? My God Alex, are you trying to scale new heights? She casually reached out to touch only to find her hand slapped soundly away.

Adjusting her wrap over her bust Alex feigned outrage and stared down at her prominent cleavage.

Mimi! Just because I have a little nip and tuck doesn’t mean you have to announce it like a bullhorn for God’s sake! Try to be discrete for once in your life.

With a definite flourish, Mimi literally threw off her heavy silk cape, slipped into her chair, and then looked innocently at Alex.

Much better, I hate being hampered by such a heavy article of clothing, besides that woman has no idea who I am. Anonymity has its advantages.

Alex smiled broadly at Mimi’s attire or lack thereof. Leave it to you Mimi. I don’t know of anyone else who would wear such an abbreviated outfit in early fall. I can understand not wanting to wear a heavy coat but don’t you think sleeves might have been sensible not to mention a little touch longer? Besides, to a plunging neckline, it was one of the shorter skirts Alex had seen Mimi wear.

Mimi licked her lips slowly after taking a leisurely sip of her cocktail. My dear Alexandra have you ever known me to be sensible? So what if my skirt is short? I’m wearing some black lace jobs underneath that would knock anyone out who bothered to look. Besides a woman of my age needs to know she’s still appreciated. Take that waiter over there the one who just walked into the bar; it didn’t take him very long to take a good look.

As she spoke she ignored the look of doubt Alex gave her as to the real reason the waiter plowed into the bar.

Max walked over to them and then took a chair opposite the women, and decided to put an end to the banter.

Isn’t it great to see Alex again, Mimi? You look fabulous, that sun in Tahiti must agree with you. Besides to give the waiter credit I’m sure he must have been distracted by his shy employer.

While he was speaking, Alex marveled at the fine six-foot plus physique he still maintained for a man who must be nearing his late forties. Graced with a full head of wavy black hair, touched lightly by silver at the temples, his good looks were set off by a thick mustache and strong jaw. Before she was caught looking Alex forced her eyes back to Mimi.

You don’t look too bad yourself young man, considering you have been with me for the last twenty years or so. Mimi knew how long Max had been her employee and loyal friend. There were times when she thought of him as a son.

Max beamed at her, and covered her hand with his.

Twenty years two months if you must be exact and the best times of my life. I didn’t think you’d stay in one place long enough to take on a project like this.

He watched Mimi’s features suddenly grow serious and knew he’d touched on a sensitive subject. Before she spoke he took the opportunity to gaze around the sumptuous room appointed with wine hued velvet drapes, shining parquet floors of rare woods covered by a scattering of thick jewel colored Persian carpets. He glanced into the elaborate dining room encased in shimmering glass with huge Austrian crystal chandeliers dimmed to allow a view of the moon, sparkling on the turbulent October Sea.

Mimi followed his gaze looking wistfully at the ocean.

You’ve hit the nail on the head. After Red died for a while there all I wanted to do was to keep running. I was so dependent on him for moral support and Sammy for everything else that when I found myself alone I just couldn’t take it. As you know I’ve been all over the world in the past couple of years and found that you can’t run away from yourself. Like a thin veil dropping she was suddenly looking all of her 50 plus years.

Alex heard the melancholy tone in her voice and slid her hand over Mimi’s.

Sometimes that can be a hard lesson to learn but knowing you Mimi, I’m sure you’ll do fine. Tell me more about your plans for this place.

Mimi leaned back with a faraway look in her deep green eyes, mirroring a distant summer day. Well you know how much I’ve always loved our estate here in Montecito, this lovely suburb of Santa Barbara? I’ve always said there’s nothing like heady cappuccino out on the terrace overlooking the bright blue Pacific Ocean. When I finally returned here early this winter the way the bougainvillea draped all over the place this year was enough to break your heart with its eruption of beautiful colors. Once the seductive Santa Ana winds began to blow, I knew what I had to do.

Alex leaned forward, suddenly concerned at the change in Mimi.

What are you talking about? I thought you wanted to do this. She suddenly was not quite sure what to think.

You’re right I do want to do this, however it wasn’t exactly all my idea.

Alex seemed confused, looking quickly between Mimi and Max. What are you saying, Mimi?

Not trusting her voice any further than just a few words, Mimi nodded to Max. You tell her Max, please.

Max studied his hands for a few seconds, not so much to catch his thoughts as to give Mimi a moment to compose herself.

Last June, on Mimi's birthday, she received a registered letter from Red.

Alex was dumbfounded. What? She couldn’t have, we all know that is impossible.

Max nodded, and then after a deep sigh, went on. I know it sounds crazy, but you know how Red liked to surprise people, especially Mimi. Well it turns out he knew how much she’d always wanted to open a fabulous restaurant, and he bought this place before they went to the Grand Canyon and had planned to give it to her. He’d instructed his attorney to give the deed to Mimi on that particular birthday and not a second sooner. It was this way that Mimi received a gift from Red, as it were.

Mimi hesitated a second and then took over the story. At first I didn’t want to be bothered and put it out of my mind, but then I knew it was selfish not to share this ambiance with others and that’s exactly what I intend. My representative went to work at once to renovate this old mansion overlooking the beautiful Montecito Monarch beach. The old barn of a house was nothing and I had it torn down. What intrigued me was the vast glass conservatory, situated close enough to the ocean’s edge to give a commanding view of the Pacific and the distant Channel Islands beyond. I’m still having the gardens restored, and filling them in where the main house once stood. The permits were a little hard to come by, but my lawyers can be persuasive when I tell them I want something. I intend for this to be the best restaurant on the West Coast, as a testimony to Red’s generosity to me.

Alex leaned back with a smile and breathed out slowly hardly knowing what to say. Sounds like quite a project. Of course you’ll need a steady supply of fine wine.

Mimi flashed her a bright smile and gold bracelets flashed as she reached over to pat her hand. Like I said, I intend it to be the best. Why else do you think you’re here, other than to keep me entertained and give me a good cut on the price of your late husband’s label of course. I already have my dear friends Lex and Carol adding to my cellar.

So that’s why you asked me here in such a rush. You seem to have all your bases covered as usual.

Trying to keep the bored superiority out of her voice Mimi rolled her eyes. Don’t you remember anything? I thought I’d made it clear I wanted you two to help me select a chef for my new venture. I’ve gathered some of the greatest in the country here for a cooking extravaganza and to show off their new techniques.

Alex tried to appear just as bored but laughed softly when Mimi stuck out her tongue. Somehow, I wouldn’t have thought you would want to pick up on cooking tips, Mimi.

Mimi carefully regarded her perfectly lacquered nails. God only knows I don’t know one end of a frying pan from another but that’s beside the point. I know good food when I eat it and that’s where the two of you come in. She glanced at Max. I want to find the finest chef and literally make it impossible not to come and work for me. I want someone innovative and fresh. I’m tired of all the Old Guard stuffiness and am ready to find someone who can set a new pace in gastronomy! If my new chef plays their cards right I’ll make them world famous overnight.

Alex looked skeptical but saw Mimi wasn’t having any part of it. If they’re that good Mimi, they just might be happy where they are. Maybe whomever you select might not want to make a change.

Mimi shook her head. "When they see what